The article assesses the dynamics of the decision-making process of health policy in Brazil from the viewpoint of Executive-Legislative relations. It examines institutional mechanisms, negotiation strategies and political resources available to introduce, amend and regulate laws in this social arena. It shows that congressional capacity to refine laws proposed by the Executive branch is still limited (particularly due to both the Medidas Provisórias (Provisional Measure) and veto power of the Executive), but concludes that the legislative power of Presidents in the area of health must be tempered. After all, during the period under analysis (1985-1998), Congress displayed enough power to approve a growing number of bills and constitutional amendments in the area of health - significantly greater than the Executive’s.
health policy; Executive and Legislative relations; decision-making process; democratic Brazil
